Hi there!
Well, I hope you have had a wonderful half term holiday and are raring to go for the last half term before I return. I can’t wait to see you all and have lots of fun activities up my sleeve.
Ash Wednesday
This week sees the start of Lent. We will be holding a short service in the hall to mark Ash Wednesday and the children will receive their ashes in the classrooms afterwards. Should you wish to receive ashes in school, please join us at 9am in the hall. As part of the Here I Am syllabus the children will be learning about LENT. We have a Good Shepherd box which we try to fill each year. The children can bring in little amounts of money they would usually spend on sweets to place in the box. This is then given to charity. To read about the traditions and customs of Ash Wednesday, go to http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/easter/ashwednesday.htm
Of course this also means that we will be indulging in pancakes on Tuesday! Maybe the children could have a go at helping you make some on Tuesday evening and use their knowledge of how to write instructions to write the recipe down? http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/shrove.html has a great recipe on there for pancakes and also written instructions – how many of mine will stick to the pan I wonder?
So what else is going on this week?
Communication, Language and Literacy
By the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to know what a label and a diagram look like.
SHOULD be able to label a diagram
COULD be able to write out a caption to go with a diagram/photo.
This is an excellent opportunity to have a look in non-fiction books which boys in particular love to look at.
As always the children will be focussing on their phonics and I would ask that you look back at previous blogs for the different websites available to the children.
Problem-solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
By the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to find one more than a no. to 6.
SHOULD be able to find one more than a no. to 10.
COULD be able to find one more than a no. to 10 and beyond.
Although the children have looked at this before, we aim to develop their mental recall of number facts. Perhaps you can also focus on one less as well and seeing how quickly they can recall the number.
Topic
The children will learn how to ask questions about why things happen and how things work. They will look at pancake mixture and how it changes at the different stages. The children will also be finishing off their rockets from last half term then they can adorn the ceiling of the classroom.
I think that is all for this week.
Have a good one!
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Teamxxx
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Heavy or light?
Hi there!
Can you believe your child is half way through their first year in school?
I hope you all enjoyed the snowy weather. I was so excited for all the children when I thought of all the fun they could be having!! Ms Sammon said that it helped to reinforce the mathematical language related to weight as they were able to get out the sledge and do some practical activities outdoors. Fantastic!!
http://www.starfall.com/n/holiday/snowman/load.htm?f&n=main - I found this the children may like to play on!
Can I also thank those of you who supported the book fair last week. I look forward to seeing the photographs of all the children dressed up. The fair raised over a thousand pounds, of which we receive 60% commission to purchase books for our school library. I am sure you join me in thanking the hard working staff who ran the book fair every night. Many thanks also for the generous donations to our class book area. I can’t wait to read them!
Problem-solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
As the theme of weight was touched on last week, the children will continue to develop their understanding of this form of measurement this week. Therefore, by the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to recognise objects which are heavy and light;
SHOULD be able to use and understand the mathematical language such as heavier and lighter when comparing two masses;
COULd be able to use and understand the mathematical language such as heavier and lighter when comparing three or more masses, ordering objects from heaviest to lightest.
This is a website you could use but nothing beats actually using household objects to measure weight. You will not have the pan balance we have but if you choose obviously heavy and light objects then holding one in each hand will give the children experience of heavy and light. I would suggest that you focus on the language as much as possible.
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=fruitbalance3 - this is a great website. Click on the questions at the bottom and then use the scales to find the answer.
Communication, Language and Literacy
In this area of learning the children will be focussing on writing sentences. This does not happen easily for children and as a parent I would suggest you focus on ensuring your child always answers in a sentence. If you would like to support your child in writing a sentence then first of all get them to rehearse it orally aloud. I often use the mantra ‘THINK IT, SAY IT, WRITE IT’ as a means of helping the children to know the sequence for writing.
In phonics, by the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to say the name and sound of the letters they have been taught so far and identify them in words;
SHOULD be able to hear and recognise the diagraphs ‘sh’, ‘th’ and ‘ch’ and the ‘ng’ sound in words;
COULD be able to hear and recognise the diagraphs ‘sh’, ‘th’ and ‘ch’ and the ‘ng’ sound in words and use them in their writing.
http://www.starfall.com/n/skills/th/load.htm?f - this focuses on ‘th’
http://www.starfall.com/n/skills/sh/load.htm?f - this focuses on ‘sh’
http://www.starfall.com/n/skills/ch/load.htm?f - this focuses on ‘ch’
http://www.ictgames.com/phonemePopLS_v2.html - this is a great game. The children must fire at the phonemes ‘ch’, ‘th’ and ‘sh’. You can also go to the home page and select the letters your child needs to work on. My little girl, Faith, loved this and played for hours leaving time for me to do the ironing! Mmm…
http://www.ictgames.com/LettersSounds_bingo_cards.pdf - download the bingo cards and have a play with the words. This is great for developing blending skills.
High frequency words
After half term there will only 7 weeks until I finish my maternity leave! How fast it has flown. What I’d love to see on my return is the children doing really well with their high frequency words. Ideally I would love for the children to be able to read and spell the words from the term one and term two list at the least. I know children are at different rates so DO NOT panic if your child will not achieve this. However, little and often practice is best. Here are some websites that may make life easier.
http://www.ictgames.com/plankgameR.html
http://www.ictgames.com/wordreader.html - there are some harder words for those children capable of reading more than the first two terms.
http://www.ictgames.com/lcwc.html - if you type in the key words you wish your child to focus on then it can be personalised to your child’s learning
Please be aware that as a parent of a reception child I too have the task of getting my child to learn the high frequency words. Sometimes it requires medication afterwards!! Please stick with it as the words are the foundations of your child’s reading development.
Handwriting Homework
Thank you to all the parents who support their child every week in the formation of the letters. This can often be a difficult task for the children to do and finding the right time to do it with them is equally as taxing. I would suggest one line per night rather than it all in one sitting. Perhaps practice on paper first or on an etcha-sketch if you have one. Please keep at it as this will help your child develop their writing skills. Imagine trying to write with your left hand if you are right handed. Have a go! A child who struggles with their pencil control encounters that frustration every time they write so it’s well worth the effort. Perhaps play with playdough or do some colouring to build the muscles to support pencil control.
Here I Am
We move onto the next topic of ‘COMMUNION’. This week the children will learn to:
Recognise that being together makes people happy.
Reflect on all that they do with others which makes them happy.
Respect Appreciate how many things they do with others, the happiness this brings them.
I think that is all for this week. Enjoy the last week of the half term.
Take care
Best wishes
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team xx
Can you believe your child is half way through their first year in school?
I hope you all enjoyed the snowy weather. I was so excited for all the children when I thought of all the fun they could be having!! Ms Sammon said that it helped to reinforce the mathematical language related to weight as they were able to get out the sledge and do some practical activities outdoors. Fantastic!!
http://www.starfall.com/n/holiday/snowman/load.htm?f&n=main - I found this the children may like to play on!
Can I also thank those of you who supported the book fair last week. I look forward to seeing the photographs of all the children dressed up. The fair raised over a thousand pounds, of which we receive 60% commission to purchase books for our school library. I am sure you join me in thanking the hard working staff who ran the book fair every night. Many thanks also for the generous donations to our class book area. I can’t wait to read them!
Problem-solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
As the theme of weight was touched on last week, the children will continue to develop their understanding of this form of measurement this week. Therefore, by the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to recognise objects which are heavy and light;
SHOULD be able to use and understand the mathematical language such as heavier and lighter when comparing two masses;
COULd be able to use and understand the mathematical language such as heavier and lighter when comparing three or more masses, ordering objects from heaviest to lightest.
This is a website you could use but nothing beats actually using household objects to measure weight. You will not have the pan balance we have but if you choose obviously heavy and light objects then holding one in each hand will give the children experience of heavy and light. I would suggest that you focus on the language as much as possible.
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=fruitbalance3 - this is a great website. Click on the questions at the bottom and then use the scales to find the answer.
Communication, Language and Literacy
In this area of learning the children will be focussing on writing sentences. This does not happen easily for children and as a parent I would suggest you focus on ensuring your child always answers in a sentence. If you would like to support your child in writing a sentence then first of all get them to rehearse it orally aloud. I often use the mantra ‘THINK IT, SAY IT, WRITE IT’ as a means of helping the children to know the sequence for writing.
In phonics, by the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to say the name and sound of the letters they have been taught so far and identify them in words;
SHOULD be able to hear and recognise the diagraphs ‘sh’, ‘th’ and ‘ch’ and the ‘ng’ sound in words;
COULD be able to hear and recognise the diagraphs ‘sh’, ‘th’ and ‘ch’ and the ‘ng’ sound in words and use them in their writing.
http://www.starfall.com/n/skills/th/load.htm?f - this focuses on ‘th’
http://www.starfall.com/n/skills/sh/load.htm?f - this focuses on ‘sh’
http://www.starfall.com/n/skills/ch/load.htm?f - this focuses on ‘ch’
http://www.ictgames.com/phonemePopLS_v2.html - this is a great game. The children must fire at the phonemes ‘ch’, ‘th’ and ‘sh’. You can also go to the home page and select the letters your child needs to work on. My little girl, Faith, loved this and played for hours leaving time for me to do the ironing! Mmm…
http://www.ictgames.com/LettersSounds_bingo_cards.pdf - download the bingo cards and have a play with the words. This is great for developing blending skills.
High frequency words
After half term there will only 7 weeks until I finish my maternity leave! How fast it has flown. What I’d love to see on my return is the children doing really well with their high frequency words. Ideally I would love for the children to be able to read and spell the words from the term one and term two list at the least. I know children are at different rates so DO NOT panic if your child will not achieve this. However, little and often practice is best. Here are some websites that may make life easier.
http://www.ictgames.com/plankgameR.html
http://www.ictgames.com/wordreader.html - there are some harder words for those children capable of reading more than the first two terms.
http://www.ictgames.com/lcwc.html - if you type in the key words you wish your child to focus on then it can be personalised to your child’s learning
Please be aware that as a parent of a reception child I too have the task of getting my child to learn the high frequency words. Sometimes it requires medication afterwards!! Please stick with it as the words are the foundations of your child’s reading development.
Handwriting Homework
Thank you to all the parents who support their child every week in the formation of the letters. This can often be a difficult task for the children to do and finding the right time to do it with them is equally as taxing. I would suggest one line per night rather than it all in one sitting. Perhaps practice on paper first or on an etcha-sketch if you have one. Please keep at it as this will help your child develop their writing skills. Imagine trying to write with your left hand if you are right handed. Have a go! A child who struggles with their pencil control encounters that frustration every time they write so it’s well worth the effort. Perhaps play with playdough or do some colouring to build the muscles to support pencil control.
Here I Am
We move onto the next topic of ‘COMMUNION’. This week the children will learn to:
Recognise that being together makes people happy.
Reflect on all that they do with others which makes them happy.
Respect Appreciate how many things they do with others, the happiness this brings them.
I think that is all for this week. Enjoy the last week of the half term.
Take care
Best wishes
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team xx
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Are we sitting comfortably...?
By the title of this week’s blog, you should be able to guess what is happening in school this week...yes, it’s Bookweek!
On Friday, the Book Fair arrived in school and the children had the opportunity to browse through the books which are available. I am sure they came out at home time with a long list of the books that they would love! By buying a book for your child at the Book fair, you could really give their enthusiasm for reading a boost. If they get to choose a book they can keep, they will try so hard with their reading skills. It may even encourage them to want to read even more, which would be fantastic!
The book fair will be open every evening during this week, from 3.00-3.45pm and there are plenty of books which are appropriate for our children. Why not choose a book together and use it as a bedtime story each night this week? For every book that is purchased at the fair, the school earns commission, enabling us to add to our school stocks.
Friday is a busy day this week, with lots to remember! We have asked that the whole school come dressed as a character from a book. The children do not have to wear uniform on that day, but please remember that they may need a warm jumper to put on over the top of their costumes for playtimes.
The costume needn't be complicated nor expensive. It would also support the development of your child’s fine motor skills, if they help you make some props for their costumes from any 'junk' materials that you may have at home...
· a cardboard tube - sword - how else can the handsome prince cut down the vines to rescue the princess?
· a cereal box - cut up, this could become a shield, a crown; a wand
· foil - this can cover any of the above props, to transform anyone into a fairy godmother
Also on Friday, the Friends of St Vincent’s are holding a cake sale at 3pm in the hall. This is a great opportunity to have a cake and browse the book fair! In order for this to be a success, they have asked for cake donations to be sent into school on Friday morning. If you do send in a container from, could we ask that you label it with your name so that it may be returned to you. Thanks.
Communication, Language and Literacy
The children will be listening to a different story every day this week as part of our book week activities. Why not try to be letter and sound detectives at home this week and play a game of ‘I spy’ with the letters and sounds in their home reader. The children will love the competitive nature of this and will want to beat your score! See if your child can show you the movement associated with each sound, which is taught in class.
By the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to name and sound the letters learned so far
SHOULD be able to use all the letters taught so far to blend and segment when reading and writing.
COULD be able to read and write captions containing words with these letters.
NEW - http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/games/flags.html this is a brilliant game. Choose the vowel you want to have in the middle of the words and then put the flags on the sandcastles to make the word said by the computer.
NEW http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/games/teddybearPicnic_v2.html - a good website for matching lower case and upper case letters.
http://www.starfall.com/ - The children are doing well with their letter sound and name recognition so why not try out the vowels at the bottom of the page to help them use them in words.
http://www.ictgames.com/cvc_machine.html - this game is great for helping your child to blend sounds together. You can select the pattern (choose those with the letters we have been working on) and then the children have to read the word and click on the tick if it is a real word.
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=cvcmaker - This again is a great website for blending three letter words together.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/learn_y4/main.asp?lesson_path=year_4/word_machine_c-v-c/&lesson_file=lesson.swf&language=eng - This helps the children see how three letter words are made up of a consonant, a vowel and then a consonant.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/wordsandpictures/cvc/crank/game.shtml - If your child is experiencing difficulties listening to the middle sound then this is a great game for them.
http://www.ictgames.com/machine - a great site for blending again. Look at the picture in the machine and click on the correct word to match it.
Problem-solving, reasoning and numeracy
The focus for this week will mainly be on the use of comparative language. When comparing size we use the language big and small. When specifically talking about height we use tall and short. Many children confuse tall and big. Any support you can give towards this is really appreciated. Thanks.
Maybe you could get your child to help to organise the kitchen cupboards after shopping this week. Ask them to put the tallest objects at the back and the shortest objects at the front. See if they can suggest a reason why they should do this.
By the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to identify objects that are tall and short.
SHOULD be able to order up to three objects in order of height saying which is the tallest, which is taller and which is shorter/shortest.
COULD be able to compare the heights of a range of objects and use other language to compare and describe the size.
Here are some websites to support you:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks1bitesize/numeracy/numbers/index.shtml - This is a good website for reviewing addition and subtraction even though we are not working on it directly at the moment.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/big_small/eng/Introduction/default.htm - looks at big and small.
http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/apple.html - a lovely website introducing small, medium and large’
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/maths/docs/shortesttotallest.doc - print out and order at home.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/sizeordering.swfhttp://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=compare-order7 - fab!
Here I Am
We move on to our new topic of Communion this week with the children.
By the end of the week, they children will:
Recognise that being together makes people happy
Reflect on the things they do that makes other people happy
Respect and appreciate that being with others brings them happiness
Maybe you could have a look through any photographs which you have at home, of any family celebrations you have been to. Talk with your child about how they felt when they were there and maybe they can identify how the people there made them feel.
Well, it looks like another busy week in Foundation Stage! Look forward to seeing you at the bookfair !
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team xxx
On Friday, the Book Fair arrived in school and the children had the opportunity to browse through the books which are available. I am sure they came out at home time with a long list of the books that they would love! By buying a book for your child at the Book fair, you could really give their enthusiasm for reading a boost. If they get to choose a book they can keep, they will try so hard with their reading skills. It may even encourage them to want to read even more, which would be fantastic!
The book fair will be open every evening during this week, from 3.00-3.45pm and there are plenty of books which are appropriate for our children. Why not choose a book together and use it as a bedtime story each night this week? For every book that is purchased at the fair, the school earns commission, enabling us to add to our school stocks.
Friday is a busy day this week, with lots to remember! We have asked that the whole school come dressed as a character from a book. The children do not have to wear uniform on that day, but please remember that they may need a warm jumper to put on over the top of their costumes for playtimes.
The costume needn't be complicated nor expensive. It would also support the development of your child’s fine motor skills, if they help you make some props for their costumes from any 'junk' materials that you may have at home...
· a cardboard tube - sword - how else can the handsome prince cut down the vines to rescue the princess?
· a cereal box - cut up, this could become a shield, a crown; a wand
· foil - this can cover any of the above props, to transform anyone into a fairy godmother
Also on Friday, the Friends of St Vincent’s are holding a cake sale at 3pm in the hall. This is a great opportunity to have a cake and browse the book fair! In order for this to be a success, they have asked for cake donations to be sent into school on Friday morning. If you do send in a container from, could we ask that you label it with your name so that it may be returned to you. Thanks.
Communication, Language and Literacy
The children will be listening to a different story every day this week as part of our book week activities. Why not try to be letter and sound detectives at home this week and play a game of ‘I spy’ with the letters and sounds in their home reader. The children will love the competitive nature of this and will want to beat your score! See if your child can show you the movement associated with each sound, which is taught in class.
By the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to name and sound the letters learned so far
SHOULD be able to use all the letters taught so far to blend and segment when reading and writing.
COULD be able to read and write captions containing words with these letters.
NEW - http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/games/flags.html this is a brilliant game. Choose the vowel you want to have in the middle of the words and then put the flags on the sandcastles to make the word said by the computer.
NEW http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/games/teddybearPicnic_v2.html - a good website for matching lower case and upper case letters.
http://www.starfall.com/ - The children are doing well with their letter sound and name recognition so why not try out the vowels at the bottom of the page to help them use them in words.
http://www.ictgames.com/cvc_machine.html - this game is great for helping your child to blend sounds together. You can select the pattern (choose those with the letters we have been working on) and then the children have to read the word and click on the tick if it is a real word.
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=cvcmaker - This again is a great website for blending three letter words together.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/learn_y4/main.asp?lesson_path=year_4/word_machine_c-v-c/&lesson_file=lesson.swf&language=eng - This helps the children see how three letter words are made up of a consonant, a vowel and then a consonant.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/wordsandpictures/cvc/crank/game.shtml - If your child is experiencing difficulties listening to the middle sound then this is a great game for them.
http://www.ictgames.com/machine - a great site for blending again. Look at the picture in the machine and click on the correct word to match it.
Problem-solving, reasoning and numeracy
The focus for this week will mainly be on the use of comparative language. When comparing size we use the language big and small. When specifically talking about height we use tall and short. Many children confuse tall and big. Any support you can give towards this is really appreciated. Thanks.
Maybe you could get your child to help to organise the kitchen cupboards after shopping this week. Ask them to put the tallest objects at the back and the shortest objects at the front. See if they can suggest a reason why they should do this.
By the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to identify objects that are tall and short.
SHOULD be able to order up to three objects in order of height saying which is the tallest, which is taller and which is shorter/shortest.
COULD be able to compare the heights of a range of objects and use other language to compare and describe the size.
Here are some websites to support you:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks1bitesize/numeracy/numbers/index.shtml - This is a good website for reviewing addition and subtraction even though we are not working on it directly at the moment.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/big_small/eng/Introduction/default.htm - looks at big and small.
http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/apple.html - a lovely website introducing small, medium and large’
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/maths/docs/shortesttotallest.doc - print out and order at home.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/sizeordering.swfhttp://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=compare-order7 - fab!
Here I Am
We move on to our new topic of Communion this week with the children.
By the end of the week, they children will:
Recognise that being together makes people happy
Reflect on the things they do that makes other people happy
Respect and appreciate that being with others brings them happiness
Maybe you could have a look through any photographs which you have at home, of any family celebrations you have been to. Talk with your child about how they felt when they were there and maybe they can identify how the people there made them feel.
Well, it looks like another busy week in Foundation Stage! Look forward to seeing you at the bookfair !
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team xxx
Friday, January 23, 2009
Whatever Next!!!
Hi there!
I am sure the children had a wonderful time finding out all about the celebrations surrounding the Chinese New Year. I am really sad to have missed it, as I love doing the theme every year. Never mind. I’m sure Mrs Higgins and Mrs Latham cooked up a wonderful feast for everyone.
So what is in store for this week?
Communication, Language and Literacy
By the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to name and sound all the letters they have been taught so far.
SHOULD be able to name and sound the letters Qq, Vv, Ww, Xx, Yy and Zz, being able to segment them when writing words containing them, and blend them when reading words.
COULD be able to use all the letters taught so far to blend and segment when reading and writing.
In order to support your child with these objectives I would suggest a browse back over previous blog spots and select websites focussing on the letters in question. The sheet I stuck in your child’s diary before I went on maternity leave should be of some use to you here. Any websites involving blending sounds and segmenting sounds should be a real focus now. I’d recommend this website!
http://www.ictgames.com/ladybird_v2.html - this can be extended to up to four sounds in words.
To link in with the topic of JOURNEYS and of course, the wonderful rockets that are being made, the children will be creating zig-zag books linked to the story of Whatever Next by Jill Murphy.
Problem-solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
By the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to recognise objects that are bigger, smaller, longer and shorter in practical everyday situations;
SHOULD be able to use and understand the language such as longer and shorter when comparing to set of up to three objects;
COULD be able to choose and explain their own criteria for sorting, and use comparative language in doing so.
Here are some great websites that you could use to support your child at home.
http://demo.iboard.co.uk/screens/thread_home.htm?thread_id=3
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/maths/mathsE1.htm - you need to select the activities from the menu
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=compare-order7
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/big_small/eng/Introduction/default.htm
Perhaps at home you could compare the lengths of different everyday household items.
Physical Development
This week the children will develop their ability to handle tools, objects, construction and malleable materials safely and with increasing control. In class the children will be doing sponge printing, continuing to make their model rockets and creating a city plan for vehicles. In addition to this, and to support them in their handwriting skills, the children will complete a range of fine motor skills activities. Please continue to practice the handwriting and colouring with your child.
Many thanks for the junk materials. We have plenty now but would like to thank you for all the recycling. I know what a mess it creates in your kitchens!
Creative Development
The children will use their imagination in art, design, music, dance, imaginative and role play. They will be using the text Rosie’s Walk to retell the story in PE. The role play areas will become a school room and a Chinese restaurant in order for them to consolidate their learning about the Chinese new year.
Knowledge and Understanding of the World
The children will find out about and identify the uses of everyday technology, and use ICT and programmable toys to support their learning. In doing so, they will be using the Beebot robot to work out how far to a certain place, and the Roamer to develop their understanding of distance and directions.
Here I Am
The children will learn to reflect on the journeys that they and others make.
I think that’s all for this week.
Have a good one!
Miss you all very much but I will be calling in on Tuesday with Ellen for the children to see.
Take care
Jayne Narraway xx
I am sure the children had a wonderful time finding out all about the celebrations surrounding the Chinese New Year. I am really sad to have missed it, as I love doing the theme every year. Never mind. I’m sure Mrs Higgins and Mrs Latham cooked up a wonderful feast for everyone.
So what is in store for this week?
Communication, Language and Literacy
By the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to name and sound all the letters they have been taught so far.
SHOULD be able to name and sound the letters Qq, Vv, Ww, Xx, Yy and Zz, being able to segment them when writing words containing them, and blend them when reading words.
COULD be able to use all the letters taught so far to blend and segment when reading and writing.
In order to support your child with these objectives I would suggest a browse back over previous blog spots and select websites focussing on the letters in question. The sheet I stuck in your child’s diary before I went on maternity leave should be of some use to you here. Any websites involving blending sounds and segmenting sounds should be a real focus now. I’d recommend this website!
http://www.ictgames.com/ladybird_v2.html - this can be extended to up to four sounds in words.
To link in with the topic of JOURNEYS and of course, the wonderful rockets that are being made, the children will be creating zig-zag books linked to the story of Whatever Next by Jill Murphy.
Problem-solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
By the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to recognise objects that are bigger, smaller, longer and shorter in practical everyday situations;
SHOULD be able to use and understand the language such as longer and shorter when comparing to set of up to three objects;
COULD be able to choose and explain their own criteria for sorting, and use comparative language in doing so.
Here are some great websites that you could use to support your child at home.
http://demo.iboard.co.uk/screens/thread_home.htm?thread_id=3
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/maths/mathsE1.htm - you need to select the activities from the menu
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=compare-order7
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/big_small/eng/Introduction/default.htm
Perhaps at home you could compare the lengths of different everyday household items.
Physical Development
This week the children will develop their ability to handle tools, objects, construction and malleable materials safely and with increasing control. In class the children will be doing sponge printing, continuing to make their model rockets and creating a city plan for vehicles. In addition to this, and to support them in their handwriting skills, the children will complete a range of fine motor skills activities. Please continue to practice the handwriting and colouring with your child.
Many thanks for the junk materials. We have plenty now but would like to thank you for all the recycling. I know what a mess it creates in your kitchens!
Creative Development
The children will use their imagination in art, design, music, dance, imaginative and role play. They will be using the text Rosie’s Walk to retell the story in PE. The role play areas will become a school room and a Chinese restaurant in order for them to consolidate their learning about the Chinese new year.
Knowledge and Understanding of the World
The children will find out about and identify the uses of everyday technology, and use ICT and programmable toys to support their learning. In doing so, they will be using the Beebot robot to work out how far to a certain place, and the Roamer to develop their understanding of distance and directions.
Here I Am
The children will learn to reflect on the journeys that they and others make.
I think that’s all for this week.
Have a good one!
Miss you all very much but I will be calling in on Tuesday with Ellen for the children to see.
Take care
Jayne Narraway xx
Monday, January 19, 2009
Kung Hey Fat Choy!!
Kung Hey Fat Choy!
Yes, this week the children will be learning about the traditions of the Chinese culture and in particular the Chinese New Year. We look forward to this week every year as it provides us with the opportunity to cover all areas of the curriculum in a really integrated and fun way.They will experience Chinese cuisine, even prepare and cook some for the rest of the class to share. On Thursday, we hope to invite the year 1 and 2 children into our classroom, which will have been set up like a restaurant, and serve them with some Chinese food.
The children will learn a poem by Meg Jones that goes to the tune of ‘Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross’.
Chinese New Year
The house must be clean,
The food all made ready
For a happy New Year.
With bangs and firecrackers
And lions that dance,
With dragons all fiery
To China we dance.
The children will use the poem as a stimulus to finding out about the Chinese dragon dances, the firecrackers and the tradition of cleaning houses and giving money. They will learn about how the years were named after the different animals.
Creative and Physical Development
The children will have the opportunity to listen to and respond to Chinese music. In dance they will learn how to keep to a beat alongside a drum in preparation for our very own dragon dance on the playground during Golden Time. They will be creating Chinese lanterns, dragon masks and many other creative artefacts linked to the Chinese New Year.
Communication, Language and Literacy
By the end of the week, the children:
Must be able to recognise by name and sound h, b, f and l
Should be able to recognise all letters by name and sound learned so far, to blend and segment
Could be able to recognise (Set 6 letters) and use them to blend and segment new words.
The websites from last week’s blog should support these objectives.
High frequency words
In addition to the phonics, could we ask that you now concentrate more on the spelling of the high frequency words as well as the reading of them. Now that the children know more letters they should find them much easier to learn. These will be tested on alternate weeks with their reading. Please can I also remind you to make at least one comment per week in your child’s diary? Thanks in anticipation of your support in this.
PSRN
Must be able to sort 2D shapes according to colour, shape and size
Should be able to sort similarities and differences between 2D shapes, using correct mathematical vocabulary
Could demonstrate and understanding of 3D shapes through construction activities and be able to identify them in their own environment by name
Again the websites from last week’s blog will support many of these objectives.
Presto Music
The children had a great music show on Thursday and they should have received an invitation for a free music taster session on Friday. Should you wish to take advantage of this, please complete the form and return to school by Tuesday. Unfortunately any forms returned after this time, will not be eligible for the free session, but details will still be passed onto Presto.
I think that is all for this week.
Have a good one!
Best wishes
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team xxx
Yes, this week the children will be learning about the traditions of the Chinese culture and in particular the Chinese New Year. We look forward to this week every year as it provides us with the opportunity to cover all areas of the curriculum in a really integrated and fun way.They will experience Chinese cuisine, even prepare and cook some for the rest of the class to share. On Thursday, we hope to invite the year 1 and 2 children into our classroom, which will have been set up like a restaurant, and serve them with some Chinese food.
The children will learn a poem by Meg Jones that goes to the tune of ‘Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross’.
Chinese New Year
The house must be clean,
The food all made ready
For a happy New Year.
With bangs and firecrackers
And lions that dance,
With dragons all fiery
To China we dance.
The children will use the poem as a stimulus to finding out about the Chinese dragon dances, the firecrackers and the tradition of cleaning houses and giving money. They will learn about how the years were named after the different animals.
Creative and Physical Development
The children will have the opportunity to listen to and respond to Chinese music. In dance they will learn how to keep to a beat alongside a drum in preparation for our very own dragon dance on the playground during Golden Time. They will be creating Chinese lanterns, dragon masks and many other creative artefacts linked to the Chinese New Year.
Communication, Language and Literacy
By the end of the week, the children:
Must be able to recognise by name and sound h, b, f and l
Should be able to recognise all letters by name and sound learned so far, to blend and segment
Could be able to recognise (Set 6 letters) and use them to blend and segment new words.
The websites from last week’s blog should support these objectives.
High frequency words
In addition to the phonics, could we ask that you now concentrate more on the spelling of the high frequency words as well as the reading of them. Now that the children know more letters they should find them much easier to learn. These will be tested on alternate weeks with their reading. Please can I also remind you to make at least one comment per week in your child’s diary? Thanks in anticipation of your support in this.
PSRN
Must be able to sort 2D shapes according to colour, shape and size
Should be able to sort similarities and differences between 2D shapes, using correct mathematical vocabulary
Could demonstrate and understanding of 3D shapes through construction activities and be able to identify them in their own environment by name
Again the websites from last week’s blog will support many of these objectives.
Presto Music
The children had a great music show on Thursday and they should have received an invitation for a free music taster session on Friday. Should you wish to take advantage of this, please complete the form and return to school by Tuesday. Unfortunately any forms returned after this time, will not be eligible for the free session, but details will still be passed onto Presto.
I think that is all for this week.
Have a good one!
Best wishes
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team xxx
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Where have you been?
Hi there everyone!
The children had a great time at the pantomime on Friday. Many thanks to you for your generous contributions to make such events possible. The children begin their topic on JOURNEYS this week.
Knowledge and Understanding of the World
To observe, find out about and identify features in the place they live and the natural world
Well, as we all went on a journey on Friday to the Pantomime, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to use this to help the children plan their own journey. They will be using the digital photographs taken to sequence the events of the journey and then using the small world table, to re-enact a journey they have taken.
The children will be also making model rockets in the coming weeks. So…yes, it’s time to clutter up your kitchen again with boxes and yoghurt pots for our model making. Cheers!
Phonics
By the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to recognise the sound and name for h and b
SHOULD be able to recognise the sound and name for f, ff l, ll and ss
COULD be able to use the letters they have learned to segment and blend words when reading and writing.
Here are some websites to have a go at.
http://www.starfall.com/ - this is a great website. Perhaps make sure that your child focuses on the letters that they are working on for the week.
http://www.ictgames.com/cvc_machine.html - this game is great for helping your child to blend sounds together. You can select the pattern (choose those with the letters we have been working on) and then the children have to read the word and click on the tick if it is a real word.
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=cvcmaker - This again is a great website for blending three letter words together.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/learn_y4/main.asp?lesson_path=year_4/word_machine_c-v-c/&lesson_file=lesson.swf&language=eng - This helps the children see how three letter words are made up of a consonant, a vowel and then a consonant.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/wordsandpictures/cvc/crank/game.shtml - If your child is experiencing difficulties listening to the middle sound then this is a great game for them.
http://www.ictgames.com/machine - a great site for blending again. Look at the picture in the machine and click on the correct word to match it.
http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/games/phaseTwoAs1_v2.html this is a great site for supporting the blending of the letters learned so far. The children are familiar with using sound buttons in class.
Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
This is the second week of our three week block on shape. As time ran away with us last week due to it being a short week, we shall be consolidating the children’s knowledge of 2D shapes and their properties before moving on to 3D shape. If your child already knows the 2d shapes then please concentrate on the language used to describe the shapes.
By the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to select the correct 2D shape from a given set;
SHOULD be able to sort all the 2D shapes using own criteria;
COULD be able to name similarities and differences between the properties of any 2D shape, using correct mathematical vocabulary
Here are some good websites also.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/Phase2delivery/Wales/Artanddesign/Keystage1/Making/Shapepictures/Introduction/ - the children review their recognition of 2d shapes and then look for them in pictures. The children also get the opportunity to create their own shape picture on the computer.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/build_it/eng/Introduction/default.htm - a good website for seeing how models are make up of 3D shapes.
http://www.learningplanet.com/act/rats/rats1.htm?rats_shapes - a great website. The children must catch the given shape but no others.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/simpleshapesort.swf - shape sorting activity according to properties.
http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/kidsonly/findout/shape/shapes.htm - a good website to help the children match, find, build and discover the properties of the 2D shapes.
http://demo.iboard.co.uk/screens/thread_home.htm?thread_id=2 - the children can copy shape pictures by clicking and dragging them. They can then go on to create their own.
http://www.ictgames.com/Y1shape.html - parts of a shape are shown and the children have to guess the shape.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/memory.html - this is a fantastic game to help the children develop their visual memory techniques.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/shapereveal.swf the children have to guess the shape as it is revealed. They can chose to use 2d or 3d shapes.
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/MatchingPairs3Dshape.swf - 3D shape matching game.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/longshape3d.html - a good website. The children have to identify the shape that is partially hidden in sand and then click on the correct labelled picture.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/castle_shapes/eng/Introduction/default.htm - identifying 2D and 3D shapes.
http://www.ictgames.com/Y2shape.html - guess the 3D shape.
http://www.rainforestmaths.com/ -by clicking on the shapes label you will be able to make patterns with 2D shapes. If you also click on the space row under 3D and 2D shapes you will have to sort different shapes according to the given criteria.
Alternatively, you could go on a shape walk around the house or local area and see what shapes you can find.
Physical Development
The children will be using the story ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ to develop their understanding of the use of movement to depict a story. They will listen to the patterned language and create movements to support the retelling of this amazing book.
The children had a great time at the pantomime on Friday. Many thanks to you for your generous contributions to make such events possible. The children begin their topic on JOURNEYS this week.
Knowledge and Understanding of the World
To observe, find out about and identify features in the place they live and the natural world
Well, as we all went on a journey on Friday to the Pantomime, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to use this to help the children plan their own journey. They will be using the digital photographs taken to sequence the events of the journey and then using the small world table, to re-enact a journey they have taken.
The children will be also making model rockets in the coming weeks. So…yes, it’s time to clutter up your kitchen again with boxes and yoghurt pots for our model making. Cheers!
Phonics
By the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to recognise the sound and name for h and b
SHOULD be able to recognise the sound and name for f, ff l, ll and ss
COULD be able to use the letters they have learned to segment and blend words when reading and writing.
Here are some websites to have a go at.
http://www.starfall.com/ - this is a great website. Perhaps make sure that your child focuses on the letters that they are working on for the week.
http://www.ictgames.com/cvc_machine.html - this game is great for helping your child to blend sounds together. You can select the pattern (choose those with the letters we have been working on) and then the children have to read the word and click on the tick if it is a real word.
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=cvcmaker - This again is a great website for blending three letter words together.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/learn_y4/main.asp?lesson_path=year_4/word_machine_c-v-c/&lesson_file=lesson.swf&language=eng - This helps the children see how three letter words are made up of a consonant, a vowel and then a consonant.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/wordsandpictures/cvc/crank/game.shtml - If your child is experiencing difficulties listening to the middle sound then this is a great game for them.
http://www.ictgames.com/machine - a great site for blending again. Look at the picture in the machine and click on the correct word to match it.
http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/games/phaseTwoAs1_v2.html this is a great site for supporting the blending of the letters learned so far. The children are familiar with using sound buttons in class.
Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
This is the second week of our three week block on shape. As time ran away with us last week due to it being a short week, we shall be consolidating the children’s knowledge of 2D shapes and their properties before moving on to 3D shape. If your child already knows the 2d shapes then please concentrate on the language used to describe the shapes.
By the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to select the correct 2D shape from a given set;
SHOULD be able to sort all the 2D shapes using own criteria;
COULD be able to name similarities and differences between the properties of any 2D shape, using correct mathematical vocabulary
Here are some good websites also.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/Phase2delivery/Wales/Artanddesign/Keystage1/Making/Shapepictures/Introduction/ - the children review their recognition of 2d shapes and then look for them in pictures. The children also get the opportunity to create their own shape picture on the computer.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/build_it/eng/Introduction/default.htm - a good website for seeing how models are make up of 3D shapes.
http://www.learningplanet.com/act/rats/rats1.htm?rats_shapes - a great website. The children must catch the given shape but no others.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/simpleshapesort.swf - shape sorting activity according to properties.
http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/kidsonly/findout/shape/shapes.htm - a good website to help the children match, find, build and discover the properties of the 2D shapes.
http://demo.iboard.co.uk/screens/thread_home.htm?thread_id=2 - the children can copy shape pictures by clicking and dragging them. They can then go on to create their own.
http://www.ictgames.com/Y1shape.html - parts of a shape are shown and the children have to guess the shape.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/memory.html - this is a fantastic game to help the children develop their visual memory techniques.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/shapereveal.swf the children have to guess the shape as it is revealed. They can chose to use 2d or 3d shapes.
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/MatchingPairs3Dshape.swf - 3D shape matching game.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/longshape3d.html - a good website. The children have to identify the shape that is partially hidden in sand and then click on the correct labelled picture.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/castle_shapes/eng/Introduction/default.htm - identifying 2D and 3D shapes.
http://www.ictgames.com/Y2shape.html - guess the 3D shape.
http://www.rainforestmaths.com/ -by clicking on the shapes label you will be able to make patterns with 2D shapes. If you also click on the space row under 3D and 2D shapes you will have to sort different shapes according to the given criteria.
Alternatively, you could go on a shape walk around the house or local area and see what shapes you can find.
Physical Development
The children will be using the story ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ to develop their understanding of the use of movement to depict a story. They will listen to the patterned language and create movements to support the retelling of this amazing book.
Fine motor skills
The development of the children’s fine motor skills are paramount at this stage as their phonic skills are developing rapidly and, in some cases, their ability to record their understanding is becoming difficult due to poor fine motor skills. Please could we ask that you do complete your child’s handwriting homework with them each week and return it on a Friday to be prepared for the following Monday. In addition to this, you could do the following things at home to promote the development of the fine motor skills:
Doing buttons and trying to beat their time on each go.
Colouring – this is one of the best ways of support the skills for writing. Make sure that the side of your child’s hand is on the table at all times to maximise control.
Playdough. Aagh!! I hear some of you call as it does get stuck in the carpet. However a good solution to this is to use a large tray to work on rather than the plastic mats.
Baking – this one is a real winner as you get to enjoy the final product!
And finally…
Please could we remind everyone about being in school on time. In order to get a prompt start to the day, get the registers done and then get into assembly on time, the children need to be sorted and on the carpet by 8.50 at the latest. Your support in this would be really appreciated. Thanks.
Have a fantastic week everyone!
Take care
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team x
Monday, January 05, 2009
It's a girl!!
Hi there
Well finally, after a lot of waiting I finally gave birth to a little girl, 6 pounds and 12 ounces, called Ellen Rose on 27th December. She is a beauty and once I can drive again I’ll be in to school to show the children as promised.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are now raring to go for the New Year. Before I begin with the curriculum, here are a few domestics…
Friday is a day we are all looking forward to - the Panto! As I am sure you can appreciate, getting the whole school onto buses at the same time requires almost military timing, so could we please ask that you ensure your child arrives on time every day, but particularly this Friday. We shall be bringing the children in at 8.40am, but could we ask that the children keep their coats on to make things run a little more smoothly. The children will not need a snack on Friday, as one is provided for them at the Parr Hall. Also, please bear in mind, that as they are out of school, they will not be able to buy toast. Many thanks for your co-operation with this.
So onto the curriculum…
Phonics
MUST be able to recognise the letters s, a, t, p, i, n, m, d, g, o, c, k, ck, e, u and r by sound or name.
SHOULD be able to recognise the sound and name for h b f, ff l, ll ss
COULD be able to use the letters they have learned to segment and blend words when reading and writing.
http://www.starfall.com/ - this is a great website. Perhaps make sure that your child focuses on the letters that they are working on for the week.
http://www.ictgames.com/cvc_machine.html - this game is great for helping your child to blend sounds together. You can select the pattern (choose those with the letters we have been working on) and then the children have to read the word and click on the tick if it is a real word.
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=cvcmaker - This again is a great website for blending three letter words together.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/learn_y4/main.asp?lesson_path=year_4/word_machine_c-v-c/&lesson_file=lesson.swf&language=eng - This helps the children see how three letter words are made up of a consonant, a vowel and then a consonant.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/wordsandpictures/cvc/crank/game.shtml - If your child is experiencing difficulties listening to the middle sound then this is a great game for them.
http://www.ictgames.com/machine - a great site for blending again. Look at the picture in the machine and click on the correct word to match it.
Problem-solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
This week, we will begin our three week block of work looking at shapes and their properties. Your child’s existing knowledge of shapes will determine whether they will be working on 2D shapes (circle, square, rectangle, triangle, star) or 3D shapes (cuboid, cube, sphere, cone and cylinder). A good idea is to take a shape walk around your house our local area and see how the world is made up of their shapes.
By the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to name and identify a 2D shape when shown
SHOULD be able to sort all the 2D shapes when given set criteria ;
COULD be able to name, describe and identify any 2D from its description and sort using their own criteria
Here are some good websites also.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/Phase2delivery/Wales/Artanddesign/Keystage1/Making/Shapepictures/Introduction/ - the children review their recognition of 2d shapes and then look for them in pictures. The children also get the opportunity to create their own shape picture on the computer.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/build_it/eng/Introduction/default.htm - a good website for seeing how models are make up of 3D shapes.
http://www.learningplanet.com/act/rats/rats1.htm?rats_shapes - a great website. The children must catch the given shape but no others.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/simpleshapesort.swf - shape sorting activity according to properties.
http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/kidsonly/findout/shape/shapes.htm - a good website to help the children match, find, build and discover the properties of the 2D shapes.
http://demo.iboard.co.uk/screens/thread_home.htm?thread_id=2 - the children can copy shape pictures by clicking and dragging them. They can then go on to create their own.
http://www.ictgames.com/Y1shape.html - parts of a shape are shown and the children have to guess the shape.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/memory.html - this is a fantastic game to help the children develop their visual memory techniques.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/shapereveal.swf the children have to guess the shape as it is revealed. They can chose to use 2d or 3d shapes.
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/MatchingPairs3Dshape.swf - 3D shape matching game.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/longshape3d.html - a good website. The children have to identify the shape that is partially hidden in sand and then click on the correct labelled picture.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/castle_shapes/eng/Introduction/default.htm - identifying 2D and 3D shapes.
http://www.ictgames.com/Y2shape.html - guess the 3D shape.
http://www.rainforestmaths.com/ -by clicking on the shapes label you will be able to make patterns with 2D shapes. If you also click on the space row under 3D and 2D shapes you will have to sort different shapes according to the given criteria.
Alternatively, you could go on a shape walk around the house or local area and see what shapes you can find.
CHALLENGE! Why not write some clues about a shape and see if the class can guess what shape it is?
Here I Am
The children will begin their new topic on JOURNEYS. They will learn to:
RECOGNISE that a journey is to travel from one place to another;
REFLECT on journeys the children have made themselves;
RESPECT and appreciate that they make many journeys.
As you can see this ties in really well with the overall theme of JOURNEYS. Maybe you could start to plan that Summer holiday now with your child? Talk about how they might get there and how they will get from one place to another when they are there. You could also look at previous holiday photographs and talk about the journey that you made as a family to get there – were there any problems and how did you overcome them?
Well, we are well are truly back to work now! Here's to a great 2009!
Have a great week everyone!
Best wishes
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team xxx
Well finally, after a lot of waiting I finally gave birth to a little girl, 6 pounds and 12 ounces, called Ellen Rose on 27th December. She is a beauty and once I can drive again I’ll be in to school to show the children as promised.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are now raring to go for the New Year. Before I begin with the curriculum, here are a few domestics…
Friday is a day we are all looking forward to - the Panto! As I am sure you can appreciate, getting the whole school onto buses at the same time requires almost military timing, so could we please ask that you ensure your child arrives on time every day, but particularly this Friday. We shall be bringing the children in at 8.40am, but could we ask that the children keep their coats on to make things run a little more smoothly. The children will not need a snack on Friday, as one is provided for them at the Parr Hall. Also, please bear in mind, that as they are out of school, they will not be able to buy toast. Many thanks for your co-operation with this.
So onto the curriculum…
Phonics
MUST be able to recognise the letters s, a, t, p, i, n, m, d, g, o, c, k, ck, e, u and r by sound or name.
SHOULD be able to recognise the sound and name for h b f, ff l, ll ss
COULD be able to use the letters they have learned to segment and blend words when reading and writing.
http://www.starfall.com/ - this is a great website. Perhaps make sure that your child focuses on the letters that they are working on for the week.
http://www.ictgames.com/cvc_machine.html - this game is great for helping your child to blend sounds together. You can select the pattern (choose those with the letters we have been working on) and then the children have to read the word and click on the tick if it is a real word.
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=cvcmaker - This again is a great website for blending three letter words together.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/learn_y4/main.asp?lesson_path=year_4/word_machine_c-v-c/&lesson_file=lesson.swf&language=eng - This helps the children see how three letter words are made up of a consonant, a vowel and then a consonant.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/wordsandpictures/cvc/crank/game.shtml - If your child is experiencing difficulties listening to the middle sound then this is a great game for them.
http://www.ictgames.com/machine - a great site for blending again. Look at the picture in the machine and click on the correct word to match it.
Problem-solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
This week, we will begin our three week block of work looking at shapes and their properties. Your child’s existing knowledge of shapes will determine whether they will be working on 2D shapes (circle, square, rectangle, triangle, star) or 3D shapes (cuboid, cube, sphere, cone and cylinder). A good idea is to take a shape walk around your house our local area and see how the world is made up of their shapes.
By the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to name and identify a 2D shape when shown
SHOULD be able to sort all the 2D shapes when given set criteria ;
COULD be able to name, describe and identify any 2D from its description and sort using their own criteria
Here are some good websites also.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/Phase2delivery/Wales/Artanddesign/Keystage1/Making/Shapepictures/Introduction/ - the children review their recognition of 2d shapes and then look for them in pictures. The children also get the opportunity to create their own shape picture on the computer.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/build_it/eng/Introduction/default.htm - a good website for seeing how models are make up of 3D shapes.
http://www.learningplanet.com/act/rats/rats1.htm?rats_shapes - a great website. The children must catch the given shape but no others.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/simpleshapesort.swf - shape sorting activity according to properties.
http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/kidsonly/findout/shape/shapes.htm - a good website to help the children match, find, build and discover the properties of the 2D shapes.
http://demo.iboard.co.uk/screens/thread_home.htm?thread_id=2 - the children can copy shape pictures by clicking and dragging them. They can then go on to create their own.
http://www.ictgames.com/Y1shape.html - parts of a shape are shown and the children have to guess the shape.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/memory.html - this is a fantastic game to help the children develop their visual memory techniques.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/shapereveal.swf the children have to guess the shape as it is revealed. They can chose to use 2d or 3d shapes.
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/MatchingPairs3Dshape.swf - 3D shape matching game.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/longshape3d.html - a good website. The children have to identify the shape that is partially hidden in sand and then click on the correct labelled picture.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/castle_shapes/eng/Introduction/default.htm - identifying 2D and 3D shapes.
http://www.ictgames.com/Y2shape.html - guess the 3D shape.
http://www.rainforestmaths.com/ -by clicking on the shapes label you will be able to make patterns with 2D shapes. If you also click on the space row under 3D and 2D shapes you will have to sort different shapes according to the given criteria.
Alternatively, you could go on a shape walk around the house or local area and see what shapes you can find.
CHALLENGE! Why not write some clues about a shape and see if the class can guess what shape it is?
Here I Am
The children will begin their new topic on JOURNEYS. They will learn to:
RECOGNISE that a journey is to travel from one place to another;
REFLECT on journeys the children have made themselves;
RESPECT and appreciate that they make many journeys.
As you can see this ties in really well with the overall theme of JOURNEYS. Maybe you could start to plan that Summer holiday now with your child? Talk about how they might get there and how they will get from one place to another when they are there. You could also look at previous holiday photographs and talk about the journey that you made as a family to get there – were there any problems and how did you overcome them?
Well, we are well are truly back to work now! Here's to a great 2009!
Have a great week everyone!
Best wishes
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team xxx
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Merry Christmas Everyone!!
Well…I’m still here! No news as yet. Can you believe that your child has completed their first term in school? They have done really well and I received a text of Mrs Higgins saying how sensible the children were on their trip to the cathedral last week, and how proud of them I would be.
This week at school is my favourite one as the festive spirit really moves up a notch. Having a 5 year old at home who is counting down every day (and trying to convince me that if she eats two chocolates each day Christmas will come sooner) can be some what of a headache so here are some great websites to let them have a go at while you put the finishing touches to your Christmas preparations, or even just sit down and have a rest.
Nativity stories
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/ngfl/re/b-dag/ngfl-container/re-unit1-en.html http://www.topmarks.co.uk/christianity/nativity/index.htm http://www.refuel.org.uk/curric/infant_topics/christmas/christmas.html http://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/christmas/nativity/nativity.html http://www.snaithprimary.eril.net/nativity.htm http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/xmas/word/cross2.gif
Just for fun!
http://www.emailsanta.com/ write a letter to Santa and see the reply appear before your very eyes!
http://www.northpole.com/ a real favourite of mine! The disco dancing Santa is fabulous!http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/Xmas/ a very interesting site, explaining all about the customs and traditions of Christmas.
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/Xmas/meaning.htm I loved this story! Maybe one for Christmas Eve?
http://www.star28.net/snow.html?msg=they this made me giggle! Get the penguin to write your name in the snow. What about trying this to help with the spelling of those tricky words?http://www.learn-ict.org.uk/resources/rudolph/rudolph.htm Rudolf is missing! Read this lovely interactive story with your child. A great way of developing those comprehension skills.
http://www.funranch.com/games/tree/index.htm decorate the online Christmas tree
http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/games/snowman_v4.html build your very own snowman...without getting your hands cold!
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/winter/ some great ideas for Christmas crafts to doat home, using all those empty boxes.
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/christmas/ Christmas crafts
http://www.nevada.edu/~blake/Christmas.carols.html why not sing through some of these traditional Christmas Carols in preparation for Friday’s service?http://www.ylw.mmtr.or.jp/~johnkoji/hymn/xmas/index.html christmas carols to sing along to.
http://www.btinternet.com/~edward.caution/ oh this is just fabulous! Karaoke anyone?? Just scroll down for the Christmas songs. Go on – I’ll bet you can’t resist just singing along!
http://woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/teacher/christmas.html lots of different activities for you to try at home
http://christmas.iboard.co.uk/ lots of Christmas online activities to try. I really like the writing ideas, which use a framework and a wordbank to help. Why not print some off to bring in to show?
There is rather a lot of things going on this week so here goes with the details.
Monday
Dust off those party frocks and best clothes, as Monday sees our fantastic Christmas party! The children have worked really hard all term, so now is the chance for them to let their hair down and boogie the afternoon away. The children will be allowed to come to school ALL DAY in their own clothes, complete with hair gel, glitter and perfume!
Santa’s elves have been very busy wrapping all the gifts for the children AND organising all the party food. A huge thank you to all the elves behind the scenes who have been bagging and wrapping for the last few weeks – you can put your feet up now!!
Christingle Service
This year’s Christingle service takes place up at St. Joseph’s Church on Tuesday 16th December at 7.00pm. Although it is quite late, it would be lovely if there could be some Angels, Kings and Shepherds there, complete with their Christingle kits. We have these on sale in school for 50p.
On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, we shall be putting the finishing touches to the lovely Christmas decorations that the children are making as well as completing assessments in preparation for the New Year.
Friday
The last day of term, sees a real treat. Our Christmas Carol Service, led by Years 5/6 will be held up at St. Joseph’s Church at 10am. We ask that the children arrive in school as normal, for registration. We shall then be walking all the children up to Church for the service, which should last around an hour. Please ensure that the children are wearing a very warm coat, gloves, hat and scarf for that day, as the weather is extremely cold. The children will obviously not be able to buy toast on that day, so it would be helpful if they could bring a small snack for after the service, which they will be able to eat in the Loretto Centre at Church before their return. We really do need lots of parental support to accompany the children up to St. Joseph’s, so please let any member of the team know by Tuesday if you are able to help out.
The afternoon sees the Parent’s Panto. It is always a really fantastic production and a fitting end to the year. All the children, (and staff) leave the hall in festive mood, ready to start our preparations at home.
Photographs
The children’s photographs were distributed last week and how gorgeous are they? Please do let us know if you haven’t received them and we will do our best to sort them out for you.
And finally…On behalf of all the team, I’d like to wish you a very happy, peaceful and holy Christmas. We hope that Santa brings you everything you ask for and that we all return safe and happy in the New Year.
Merry Christmas!
Warm wishes
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team xxx
Sunday, December 07, 2008
It's Christmas!!!
Hi there!
Firstly, can I take the opportunity to thank all the children and parents for their kind gifts and wishes. I will miss you all very much but I’m sure life will be changing very soon in the Narraway household!
Here are a few domestics to begin with…
Christmas lunch
On Monday, we don our party hats and best singing voices (if we have any left!) and have our Christmas lunch. If you have asked that your child has lunch on Monday, they won’t need a packed lunch. Please also remember that there will be no toast served on Monday, so the children will need to bring their own snack.
Cathedral Visit
On Tuesday afternoon our Year 6 and our Foundation Stage children will be attending the annual Carol Service at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Liverpool. The children will leave school after lunch and will return at approximately 4pm. Please ensure that all outstanding permission slips are sent into school by Monday. Thank you.
Christmas Party
The children’s party takes place next week, but there are still a number of children who need to bring in their £2.50 contribution. If you haven’t already done so, we would be grateful if it could be sent into school by MONDAY, so that we are able to arrange the party bags. Santa’s elves are working really hard at the moment, so the more time they have the better!! Many thanks!
Carol Service
It is our annual Carol Service on Friday 19th December, led by Years 5/6. This year, it will take place up at St. Joseph’s Church at 10am. The children will arrive at school as usual at 8.45am and will walk up to church for the service with the escort of the community police for extra safety. Please ensure that any permission slips are returned as soon as possible, as we will be unable to take children out of school without them.As I am sure you will appreciate, we will need lots of volunteers to help walk our children up, so please do let any member of the team know if you will be able to help us with this. It is sure to be a lovely occasion, where we can all take time out from the hectic preparations and reflect on the real meaning of Christmas.
Now…
Just for FUN!!
Here are some lovely activities to keep your children busy whilst you get things organised.
http://www.emailsanta.com/ write a letter to Santa and see the reply appear before your very eyes!
http://www.northpole.com/ a real favourite of mine! The disco dancing Santa is fabulous!http://www.northpole.com/PersonalizedStories/ this is lovely and the children will love printing these off! Just enter a couple of pieces of information and your child will appear as a character in their very own story!
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/Xmas/ a very interesting site, explaining all about the customs and traditions of Christmas.
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/Xmas/meaning.htm I loved this story! Maybe one for Christmas Eve?
http://www.star28.net/snow.html?msg=they this made me giggle! Get the penguin to write your name in the snow. What about trying this to help with the spelling of those tricky words?http://www.learn-ict.org.uk/resources/rudolph/rudolph.htm Rudolf is missing! Read this lovely interactive story with your child. A great way of developing those comprehension skills.
http://www.funranch.com/games/tree/index.htm decorate the online Christmas tree
http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/games/snowman_v4.html build your very own snowman...without getting your hands cold!http://www.nevada.edu/~blake/Christmas.carols.html why not sing through some of these traditional Christmas Carols in preparation for our carol service?http://www.kidzone.ws/math/christmas/index.htm although these are based on American ‘grades’, some of these Christmas themed Maths worksheets are still really useful.
http://christmas.iboard.co.uk/ lots of Christmas online activities to try. I really like the writing ideas, which use a framework and a wordbank to help. Why not print some off to bring in to show?
And now for what they will be learning this week.
Communication, Language and Literacy
By the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to recognise and name the letters s, a, t, p, i, m, n and d
SHOULD be able to recognise and name the letters above including g, c, k and o, and begin to orally segment the words.
COULD be able to use the letters taught so far to segment and blend words;
You should have received an update regarding letter and sound recognition via your child’s diary on Friday.
I would continue to use the letter recognition websites below to support letter recognition with a focus mainly on the letters of the week or any that we have taught yet your child is unsure of.
www.starfall.com - this is a great all-rounder. Remember to encourage your child to use the letters they are unsure of. I will stick this information in your child’s diary this week.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - I love this game!
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - activities 12 and 13 are good for helping with identifying the initial letters.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonemeFlop_v4.html - this is great and the sounds are said correctly too.
http://www.ictgames.com/soundBingo.html
http://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
NEW!! http://www.ictgames.com/phonemePopLS_v2.html - you can use this website to focus on the letters of the week.
High Frequency Words
These are checked weekly and we do aim for the children to know all term one words by Christmas. You may have noticed that I have sent more high frequency words to work through in my absence. Here are some websites that may also be of use to you:
http://www.ictgames.com/plankgameR.html
http://www.ictgames.com/wordreader.html
http://www.ictgames.com/lcwc.html - click on the rectangular cells and type in the high frequency words to make your own grids.
Problem-solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
On Friday you will have received an update on your child’s number recognition via their diaries. Again the children have been making pleasing progress.
As I stated last week, for the next few weeks leading up to Christmas, the children will focus on number recognition, ordering numbers and number formation. Here are some great websites to support this area of learning.
http://www.ictgames.com/nileNumbers_v2.html
http://www.ictgames.com/saucerSorter.html
http://www.ictgames.com/caterpillar_slider.html - get the children to say the number sequence in order to be able to order the random numbers
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/ngfl/ngfl-flash/numbers_eng/numbers_e.html - fantastic for supporting number formation
http://www.abc.net.au/countusin/default.htm - a range of websites to support mathematical skills and concepts.
Here I Am
The Christmas story will continue to be the main focus of this week, with the children re-enacting the nativity in the role-play area.
I think that’s all for this week.
Keep safe and I’ll let you know any news.
xxx
Firstly, can I take the opportunity to thank all the children and parents for their kind gifts and wishes. I will miss you all very much but I’m sure life will be changing very soon in the Narraway household!
Here are a few domestics to begin with…
Christmas lunch
On Monday, we don our party hats and best singing voices (if we have any left!) and have our Christmas lunch. If you have asked that your child has lunch on Monday, they won’t need a packed lunch. Please also remember that there will be no toast served on Monday, so the children will need to bring their own snack.
Cathedral Visit
On Tuesday afternoon our Year 6 and our Foundation Stage children will be attending the annual Carol Service at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Liverpool. The children will leave school after lunch and will return at approximately 4pm. Please ensure that all outstanding permission slips are sent into school by Monday. Thank you.
Christmas Party
The children’s party takes place next week, but there are still a number of children who need to bring in their £2.50 contribution. If you haven’t already done so, we would be grateful if it could be sent into school by MONDAY, so that we are able to arrange the party bags. Santa’s elves are working really hard at the moment, so the more time they have the better!! Many thanks!
Carol Service
It is our annual Carol Service on Friday 19th December, led by Years 5/6. This year, it will take place up at St. Joseph’s Church at 10am. The children will arrive at school as usual at 8.45am and will walk up to church for the service with the escort of the community police for extra safety. Please ensure that any permission slips are returned as soon as possible, as we will be unable to take children out of school without them.As I am sure you will appreciate, we will need lots of volunteers to help walk our children up, so please do let any member of the team know if you will be able to help us with this. It is sure to be a lovely occasion, where we can all take time out from the hectic preparations and reflect on the real meaning of Christmas.
Now…
Just for FUN!!
Here are some lovely activities to keep your children busy whilst you get things organised.
http://www.emailsanta.com/ write a letter to Santa and see the reply appear before your very eyes!
http://www.northpole.com/ a real favourite of mine! The disco dancing Santa is fabulous!http://www.northpole.com/PersonalizedStories/ this is lovely and the children will love printing these off! Just enter a couple of pieces of information and your child will appear as a character in their very own story!
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/Xmas/ a very interesting site, explaining all about the customs and traditions of Christmas.
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/Xmas/meaning.htm I loved this story! Maybe one for Christmas Eve?
http://www.star28.net/snow.html?msg=they this made me giggle! Get the penguin to write your name in the snow. What about trying this to help with the spelling of those tricky words?http://www.learn-ict.org.uk/resources/rudolph/rudolph.htm Rudolf is missing! Read this lovely interactive story with your child. A great way of developing those comprehension skills.
http://www.funranch.com/games/tree/index.htm decorate the online Christmas tree
http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/games/snowman_v4.html build your very own snowman...without getting your hands cold!http://www.nevada.edu/~blake/Christmas.carols.html why not sing through some of these traditional Christmas Carols in preparation for our carol service?http://www.kidzone.ws/math/christmas/index.htm although these are based on American ‘grades’, some of these Christmas themed Maths worksheets are still really useful.
http://christmas.iboard.co.uk/ lots of Christmas online activities to try. I really like the writing ideas, which use a framework and a wordbank to help. Why not print some off to bring in to show?
And now for what they will be learning this week.
Communication, Language and Literacy
By the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to recognise and name the letters s, a, t, p, i, m, n and d
SHOULD be able to recognise and name the letters above including g, c, k and o, and begin to orally segment the words.
COULD be able to use the letters taught so far to segment and blend words;
You should have received an update regarding letter and sound recognition via your child’s diary on Friday.
I would continue to use the letter recognition websites below to support letter recognition with a focus mainly on the letters of the week or any that we have taught yet your child is unsure of.
www.starfall.com - this is a great all-rounder. Remember to encourage your child to use the letters they are unsure of. I will stick this information in your child’s diary this week.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - I love this game!
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - activities 12 and 13 are good for helping with identifying the initial letters.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonemeFlop_v4.html - this is great and the sounds are said correctly too.
http://www.ictgames.com/soundBingo.html
http://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
NEW!! http://www.ictgames.com/phonemePopLS_v2.html - you can use this website to focus on the letters of the week.
High Frequency Words
These are checked weekly and we do aim for the children to know all term one words by Christmas. You may have noticed that I have sent more high frequency words to work through in my absence. Here are some websites that may also be of use to you:
http://www.ictgames.com/plankgameR.html
http://www.ictgames.com/wordreader.html
http://www.ictgames.com/lcwc.html - click on the rectangular cells and type in the high frequency words to make your own grids.
Problem-solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
On Friday you will have received an update on your child’s number recognition via their diaries. Again the children have been making pleasing progress.
As I stated last week, for the next few weeks leading up to Christmas, the children will focus on number recognition, ordering numbers and number formation. Here are some great websites to support this area of learning.
http://www.ictgames.com/nileNumbers_v2.html
http://www.ictgames.com/saucerSorter.html
http://www.ictgames.com/caterpillar_slider.html - get the children to say the number sequence in order to be able to order the random numbers
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/ngfl/ngfl-flash/numbers_eng/numbers_e.html - fantastic for supporting number formation
http://www.abc.net.au/countusin/default.htm - a range of websites to support mathematical skills and concepts.
Here I Am
The Christmas story will continue to be the main focus of this week, with the children re-enacting the nativity in the role-play area.
I think that’s all for this week.
Keep safe and I’ll let you know any news.
xxx
Sunday, November 30, 2008
IT'S CHRISTMAS!!!!!
Hi there!
Well my last week is finally here! But does that mean this week will be lacking in FUN and FANTASTIC LEARNING? Absolutely not! How fantastic is it now that we are in December? Already I am humming the Christmas tunes whilst doing my weekly shop and dusting off the Christmas tree. Now that it is officially Christmas time, it is without doubt time to get out the glitter, sequins and baubles and start preparing for the festivities.
As a treat for the children, during the time they are performing their much rehearsed and awaited Christmas Production, the whole week will be dedicated to those little keepsakes to adorn your mantelpiece and Christmas tree. No…there will be no glittered egg boxes which my mum still hangs up every year (much to my dismay). Please be very aware that the children will be very tired this week due to the performances. Tears may happen and reading time may be a challenge. For this reason there will be no handwriting homework this week. One thing to look forward to though is an early night to bed on Friday! Mr Barker also allows the children to come in by 10.30 on Thursday following the evening performance on Wednesday. Unfortunately, this does not apply to staff so if you wish to drop your child off at the normal time then that is fine. Believe me we have tried all kinds of bribery tactics!
Reading books
Please accept my deepest apologies for the delay in changing the children’s reading books last week. Time just flew! I hope you didn’t mind me sending two on the Wednesday. I promise that this week we will try much harder!
DADS!!! Please remember to hear your son read if you do not already do so. Research suggests that boys make more progress in reading if their fathers are actively involved in their literary experiences.
So what will we be learning this week?
The Nativity Story
Well…it’s actually December now. So…yes!!!! Let the glitter, tinsel and fun begin. Although we do talk about Christmas presents and cards and celebrations in school, we do feel that it is vital that the children know the true meaning of Christmas. Therefore, this week we begin by teaching the children about the birth of Jesus and the first Christmas. Mrs Latham and Mrs Lockett have worked like Trojans to create a stable in the role-play area for the children to re-enact the Christmas story. I am sure the children will appreciate all their hard work. Here are some websites that the children may enjoy to consolidate their understanding of Christmas.
http://www.topmarks.co.uk/christianity/nativity/ - this is a e-version of the story for the children to enjoy.
http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/carolrb/christmas/christmas1.html - find out about the history behind the customs surrounding Christmas.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/ngfl/re/b-dag/ngfl-container/re-unit1-en.html- this is a wonderful website where the children can learn how to sequence the parts of the story for themselves. The children can create a nativity scene for themselves.
http://www.refuel.org.uk/curric/infant_topics/christmas/christmas.html - another lovely book. Perhaps we can make an electronic book as a class.
http://www.refuel.org.uk/curric/infant_topics/christmas/christmas.html http://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/christmas/nativity/nativity.html http://www.snaithprimary.eril.net/nativity.htm http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/xmas/word/cross2.gif
Christmas Tree Decoration
The week begins with the children receiving a letter from Timmy Tree. This is actually our class Christmas Tree. He is really sad because all his other Christmas tree friends have decorations and BOO HOO he is bare. Can we solve his problem? Oh yes we can…Oh no you can’t…oh yes we can (sorry couldn’t resist with the panto season and all that!) The children will therefore extend their creative skills and mathematical skills by decorating their very own bauble. This is an opportunity for the children to talk about the properties of the sphere shape of their bauble and reinforce their understanding of pattern making when they stick on the sequins etc.
Christmas Cards
A class list will be sent out via the diaries to help you with any cards your child may which to send. This is the perfect opportunity to help your child write their name. We will also be starting to make our Christmas cards so please keep a special place on the mantle piece for it.
Christmas Fun!!
Here are some great activities to get into the spirit of Christmas.
http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/games/snowman_v4.html - build a snowman of your own.
http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/games/advent_calendar.html - open up a space on the advent calendar every day and see what you find
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/Xmas/jokes.html - Christmas jokes for all the family.
Communication, Language and Literacy
This week you should receive an update on the letters names and sounds your child consistently recognises when shown. Thank you for all your support at home with this. The children are making really pleasing progress. This week we will be teaching the children some new letters. The focus letters for this week are: ‘ck’, ‘e’, ‘u’ and ‘r’.
CK – the children need to know that when they see C and K together it is usually at the end of the word. I call them lazy letters with K being the laziest and that they are two letters that when read make one sound. More often than not the CK is used when the vowel in a word makes its sound rather than its name e.g dock, tick, back etc. If you compare them to words like ‘cake’, ‘bike’ and ‘coke’, the vowel says its letter name hence the use of the ‘e’ on the end of the word rather than the ‘ck’.
I would continue to use the letter recognition websites below to support letter recognition with a focus mainly on the letters of the week or any that we have taught yet your child is unsure of.
http://www.starfall.com/ - this is a great all-rounder. Remember to encourage your child to use the letters they are unsure of. I will stick this information in your child’s diary this week.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - I love this game!
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - activities 12 and 13 are good for helping with identifying the initial letters.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonemeFlop_v4.html - this is great and the sounds are said correctly too.
http://www.ictgames.com/soundBingo.html
http://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
NEW!! http://www.ictgames.com/phonemePopLS_v2.html - you can use this website to focus on the letters of the week.
High Frequency Words
These are checked weekly and we do aim for the children to know all term one words by Christmas. Here are some websites that may be of use to you:
http://www.ictgames.com/plankgameR.html
http://www.ictgames.com/wordreader.html
http://www.ictgames.com/lcwc.html - click on the rectangular cells and type in the high frequency words to make your own grids.
Problem-solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
This week you will receive an update on your child’s number recognition via their diaries. Again the children have been making pleasing progress.
For the next few weeks leading up to Christmas, the children will focus on number recognition, ordering numbers and number formation. Here are some great websites to support this area of learning.
http://www.ictgames.com/nileNumbers_v2.html
http://www.ictgames.com/saucerSorter.html
http://www.ictgames.com/caterpillar_slider.html - get the children to say the number sequence in order to be able to order the random numbers
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/ngfl/ngfl-flash/numbers_eng/numbers_e.html - fantastic for supporting number formation
http://www.abc.net.au/countusin/default.htm - a range of websites to support mathematical skills and concepts.
Cathedral Visit
Just a reminder about the visit on Tuesday of next week. The children need to come dressed either as a shepherd or an angel. Please also remember that the coach will only be returning to school by 4pm so please feel free to wait in the school hall for the children. They will be brought to you.
And finally…may I take the opportunity to personally thank you all for your support in your child’s first term at school. The blogspot will continue throughout my maternity leave. I am sure that the children will continue to be motivated and learn, and I look forward to seeing their progress on my return after Easter. Enjoy Christmas and see you soon!
Warmest regards
Jayne Narraway xxxx
Well my last week is finally here! But does that mean this week will be lacking in FUN and FANTASTIC LEARNING? Absolutely not! How fantastic is it now that we are in December? Already I am humming the Christmas tunes whilst doing my weekly shop and dusting off the Christmas tree. Now that it is officially Christmas time, it is without doubt time to get out the glitter, sequins and baubles and start preparing for the festivities.
As a treat for the children, during the time they are performing their much rehearsed and awaited Christmas Production, the whole week will be dedicated to those little keepsakes to adorn your mantelpiece and Christmas tree. No…there will be no glittered egg boxes which my mum still hangs up every year (much to my dismay). Please be very aware that the children will be very tired this week due to the performances. Tears may happen and reading time may be a challenge. For this reason there will be no handwriting homework this week. One thing to look forward to though is an early night to bed on Friday! Mr Barker also allows the children to come in by 10.30 on Thursday following the evening performance on Wednesday. Unfortunately, this does not apply to staff so if you wish to drop your child off at the normal time then that is fine. Believe me we have tried all kinds of bribery tactics!
Reading books
Please accept my deepest apologies for the delay in changing the children’s reading books last week. Time just flew! I hope you didn’t mind me sending two on the Wednesday. I promise that this week we will try much harder!
DADS!!! Please remember to hear your son read if you do not already do so. Research suggests that boys make more progress in reading if their fathers are actively involved in their literary experiences.
So what will we be learning this week?
The Nativity Story
Well…it’s actually December now. So…yes!!!! Let the glitter, tinsel and fun begin. Although we do talk about Christmas presents and cards and celebrations in school, we do feel that it is vital that the children know the true meaning of Christmas. Therefore, this week we begin by teaching the children about the birth of Jesus and the first Christmas. Mrs Latham and Mrs Lockett have worked like Trojans to create a stable in the role-play area for the children to re-enact the Christmas story. I am sure the children will appreciate all their hard work. Here are some websites that the children may enjoy to consolidate their understanding of Christmas.
http://www.topmarks.co.uk/christianity/nativity/ - this is a e-version of the story for the children to enjoy.
http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/carolrb/christmas/christmas1.html - find out about the history behind the customs surrounding Christmas.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/ngfl/re/b-dag/ngfl-container/re-unit1-en.html- this is a wonderful website where the children can learn how to sequence the parts of the story for themselves. The children can create a nativity scene for themselves.
http://www.refuel.org.uk/curric/infant_topics/christmas/christmas.html - another lovely book. Perhaps we can make an electronic book as a class.
http://www.refuel.org.uk/curric/infant_topics/christmas/christmas.html http://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/christmas/nativity/nativity.html http://www.snaithprimary.eril.net/nativity.htm http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/xmas/word/cross2.gif
Christmas Tree Decoration
The week begins with the children receiving a letter from Timmy Tree. This is actually our class Christmas Tree. He is really sad because all his other Christmas tree friends have decorations and BOO HOO he is bare. Can we solve his problem? Oh yes we can…Oh no you can’t…oh yes we can (sorry couldn’t resist with the panto season and all that!) The children will therefore extend their creative skills and mathematical skills by decorating their very own bauble. This is an opportunity for the children to talk about the properties of the sphere shape of their bauble and reinforce their understanding of pattern making when they stick on the sequins etc.
Christmas Cards
A class list will be sent out via the diaries to help you with any cards your child may which to send. This is the perfect opportunity to help your child write their name. We will also be starting to make our Christmas cards so please keep a special place on the mantle piece for it.
Christmas Fun!!
Here are some great activities to get into the spirit of Christmas.
http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/games/snowman_v4.html - build a snowman of your own.
http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/games/advent_calendar.html - open up a space on the advent calendar every day and see what you find
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/Xmas/jokes.html - Christmas jokes for all the family.
Communication, Language and Literacy
This week you should receive an update on the letters names and sounds your child consistently recognises when shown. Thank you for all your support at home with this. The children are making really pleasing progress. This week we will be teaching the children some new letters. The focus letters for this week are: ‘ck’, ‘e’, ‘u’ and ‘r’.
CK – the children need to know that when they see C and K together it is usually at the end of the word. I call them lazy letters with K being the laziest and that they are two letters that when read make one sound. More often than not the CK is used when the vowel in a word makes its sound rather than its name e.g dock, tick, back etc. If you compare them to words like ‘cake’, ‘bike’ and ‘coke’, the vowel says its letter name hence the use of the ‘e’ on the end of the word rather than the ‘ck’.
I would continue to use the letter recognition websites below to support letter recognition with a focus mainly on the letters of the week or any that we have taught yet your child is unsure of.
http://www.starfall.com/ - this is a great all-rounder. Remember to encourage your child to use the letters they are unsure of. I will stick this information in your child’s diary this week.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - I love this game!
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - activities 12 and 13 are good for helping with identifying the initial letters.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonemeFlop_v4.html - this is great and the sounds are said correctly too.
http://www.ictgames.com/soundBingo.html
http://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
NEW!! http://www.ictgames.com/phonemePopLS_v2.html - you can use this website to focus on the letters of the week.
High Frequency Words
These are checked weekly and we do aim for the children to know all term one words by Christmas. Here are some websites that may be of use to you:
http://www.ictgames.com/plankgameR.html
http://www.ictgames.com/wordreader.html
http://www.ictgames.com/lcwc.html - click on the rectangular cells and type in the high frequency words to make your own grids.
Problem-solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
This week you will receive an update on your child’s number recognition via their diaries. Again the children have been making pleasing progress.
For the next few weeks leading up to Christmas, the children will focus on number recognition, ordering numbers and number formation. Here are some great websites to support this area of learning.
http://www.ictgames.com/nileNumbers_v2.html
http://www.ictgames.com/saucerSorter.html
http://www.ictgames.com/caterpillar_slider.html - get the children to say the number sequence in order to be able to order the random numbers
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/ngfl/ngfl-flash/numbers_eng/numbers_e.html - fantastic for supporting number formation
http://www.abc.net.au/countusin/default.htm - a range of websites to support mathematical skills and concepts.
Cathedral Visit
Just a reminder about the visit on Tuesday of next week. The children need to come dressed either as a shepherd or an angel. Please also remember that the coach will only be returning to school by 4pm so please feel free to wait in the school hall for the children. They will be brought to you.
And finally…may I take the opportunity to personally thank you all for your support in your child’s first term at school. The blogspot will continue throughout my maternity leave. I am sure that the children will continue to be motivated and learn, and I look forward to seeing their progress on my return after Easter. Enjoy Christmas and see you soon!
Warmest regards
Jayne Narraway xxxx
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Christmas Countdown begins...
Hola!
Well…this is the week before our Christmas Production and believe me you are in for a real treat. Much of this week will be used to refine our performance with the children to ensure they are as confident as possible for their moment in the limelight. Costumes will need to be in on Monday so we can try them on the children and make sure they are in school for the dress rehearsal on Friday morning. Please remember to write your child’s name on them and also hanging them on a hanger is really helpful to us. Thanks.
So what will we be learning this week?
Problem-solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
As time is limited this week we will be focusing on number recognition with the children. Therefore, by the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to recognise numerals to 5 and match sets of objects to the numerals;
SHOULD be able to recognise numerals to 10, match sets of objects to the numerals and order numerals from 0 to 10;
COULD be able to recognise numerals to 20, match sets of objects to the numerals and write the numerals to 10 correctly and independently.
Here are some great websites you could use. However, car registration plates, house numbers etc are good ways of helping the children learn their numbers.
http://www.ictgames.com/caterpillar_slider.html - ordering random numbers
http://www.ictgames.com/mucky.html - to revise more and less;
http://www.ictgames.com/nutty_v3.html - ordering numbers
http://www.ictgames.com/postletter.html - number recognition
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/online_downloads.htm - click on the ordering numbers game
Communication, Language and Literacy
Again, as time is limited we will use the opportunity to review and assess the children’s recognition of:
Letter sounds and names
High frequency words
Spelling and reading words containing the focus letters taught so far.
Here are some websites which will support these areas.
http://www.saintambrosebarlow.wigan.sch.uk/activities.htm - The children are to try to hear the initial sounds in words.http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - Look at the letter shown and then select the picture that begins with that letter.http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - This is an amazing website focusing on the initial sounds. Hours of fun why you do your ironing I think!http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/beginning.html - the children are to focus on the initial sounds of the picture shown and then identify a picture with the same initial sound.http://www.ictgames.com/phonemeFlop_v4.html - a good website for getting the children to identify the letters of the alphabet.www.starfall.com - this is a great all-rounder. Remember to encourage your child to use the letters they are unsure of. I will stick this information in your child’s diary this week.http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - I love this game!http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - activities 12 and 13 are good for helping with identifying the initial letters.http://www.ictgames.com/soundBingo.htmlhttp://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
Here I Am
We begin our new topic this week for RE titled BIRTHDAYS. The children will begin this week by RECOGNISING what a birthday is, REFLECTING on birthday celebrations they have taken part in and will take part in, and RESPECT that a birthday is celebrated to remember the day someone is born. In class we will be reading the story of Kipper’s birthday and preparing the home corner for a birthday celebration. Our imaginary giant friend Jim will also celebrate his birthday. This will be a way of encouraging the children to write birthday cards for him in the writing area.
Maternity Leave
You may have read in the school newsletter that I shall be going on maternity leave in two weeks time. Therefore, we welcome Mrs Gillian Sammon to our team this week. This week she will be getting to know the children and the systems and style of teaching we use. This will then enable a smooth transition for the children as I will still be teaching them also.
Non-uniform Day
On Friday the children can come in their own clothes in return for a tombola prize for the Christmas Fair on Saturday.
That’s all for this week!
xxxxx
Well…this is the week before our Christmas Production and believe me you are in for a real treat. Much of this week will be used to refine our performance with the children to ensure they are as confident as possible for their moment in the limelight. Costumes will need to be in on Monday so we can try them on the children and make sure they are in school for the dress rehearsal on Friday morning. Please remember to write your child’s name on them and also hanging them on a hanger is really helpful to us. Thanks.
So what will we be learning this week?
Problem-solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
As time is limited this week we will be focusing on number recognition with the children. Therefore, by the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to recognise numerals to 5 and match sets of objects to the numerals;
SHOULD be able to recognise numerals to 10, match sets of objects to the numerals and order numerals from 0 to 10;
COULD be able to recognise numerals to 20, match sets of objects to the numerals and write the numerals to 10 correctly and independently.
Here are some great websites you could use. However, car registration plates, house numbers etc are good ways of helping the children learn their numbers.
http://www.ictgames.com/caterpillar_slider.html - ordering random numbers
http://www.ictgames.com/mucky.html - to revise more and less;
http://www.ictgames.com/nutty_v3.html - ordering numbers
http://www.ictgames.com/postletter.html - number recognition
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/online_downloads.htm - click on the ordering numbers game
Communication, Language and Literacy
Again, as time is limited we will use the opportunity to review and assess the children’s recognition of:
Letter sounds and names
High frequency words
Spelling and reading words containing the focus letters taught so far.
Here are some websites which will support these areas.
http://www.saintambrosebarlow.wigan.sch.uk/activities.htm - The children are to try to hear the initial sounds in words.http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - Look at the letter shown and then select the picture that begins with that letter.http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - This is an amazing website focusing on the initial sounds. Hours of fun why you do your ironing I think!http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/beginning.html - the children are to focus on the initial sounds of the picture shown and then identify a picture with the same initial sound.http://www.ictgames.com/phonemeFlop_v4.html - a good website for getting the children to identify the letters of the alphabet.www.starfall.com - this is a great all-rounder. Remember to encourage your child to use the letters they are unsure of. I will stick this information in your child’s diary this week.http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - I love this game!http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - activities 12 and 13 are good for helping with identifying the initial letters.http://www.ictgames.com/soundBingo.htmlhttp://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
Here I Am
We begin our new topic this week for RE titled BIRTHDAYS. The children will begin this week by RECOGNISING what a birthday is, REFLECTING on birthday celebrations they have taken part in and will take part in, and RESPECT that a birthday is celebrated to remember the day someone is born. In class we will be reading the story of Kipper’s birthday and preparing the home corner for a birthday celebration. Our imaginary giant friend Jim will also celebrate his birthday. This will be a way of encouraging the children to write birthday cards for him in the writing area.
Maternity Leave
You may have read in the school newsletter that I shall be going on maternity leave in two weeks time. Therefore, we welcome Mrs Gillian Sammon to our team this week. This week she will be getting to know the children and the systems and style of teaching we use. This will then enable a smooth transition for the children as I will still be teaching them also.
Non-uniform Day
On Friday the children can come in their own clothes in return for a tombola prize for the Christmas Fair on Saturday.
That’s all for this week!
xxxxx
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Happy Birthday!
Hello and welcome to this week’s blog.
There’s loads to do this week so without further a do here goes with this week’s agenda!
Here I Am
We begin our new topic this week for RE titled BIRTHDAYS. The children will begin this week by RECOGNISING what a birthday is, REFLECTING on birthday celebrations they have taken part in and will take part in, and RESPECT that a birthday is celebrated to remember the day someone is born. In class we will be reading the story of Kipper’s birthday and preparing the home corner for a birthday celebration. Our imaginary giant friend Jim will also celebrate his birthday. This will be a way of encouraging the children to write birthday cards for him in the writing area.
Problem-solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
The children have done really well developing their understanding of more and less and nearly all of them can find one more than a given number. However, finding one less is proving to be difficult for some of them. Therefore, this week we will be focusing more on this. In order for the children to be successful they need to have an understanding of the number system. The children understand the number system when they count from 0 to 10 and finding one more is supported by this. Therefore, to facilitate their ability to find one less they need to be able to count backwards from 10 to 0. For those who can find one more and one less we will work on problem-solving activities in different contexts. Here are some websites for your child to have a go at.
http://www.ictgames.com/rabbit2.html - for those children who can identify one more and one less this is a great website which challenges them to identify numbers more or less than a given number. You may need to sit with your child for this.
http://www.ictgames.com/nileNumbers_v2.html - see if your child can find one more than the given number before the ball reaches the bottom.
http://www.ictgames.com/saucerSorter.html - why not ask your child to arrange the numbers in reverse order
http://www.ictgames.com/caterpillar_slider.html - further develop your child’s understanding of the order of numbers through this game.
http://www.ictgames.com/nutty_v3.html - catch the acorns in number order
http://www.ictgames.com/newduckshoot.html - a good game for number recognition
Communication, Language and Literacy
By the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to provide the sound for the letters m, i, d and n in response to seeing the letter symbol;
SHOULD be able to orally segment (sound out) the words containing the letters;
COULD be able to segment, blend and write the words containing the letters.
The children are coming along nicely with their letter recognition and this week we will continue to teach the letters Gg, Oo, Cc and Kk. Again please make use of the websites below to support letter recognition. I would highly recommend the phonic fighter one for the boys!
http://www.saintambrosebarlow.wigan.sch.uk/activities.htm - The children are to try to hear the initial sounds in words.http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - Look at the letter shown and then select the picture that begins with that letter.http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - This is an amazing website focusing on the initial sounds. Hours of fun why you do your ironing I think!http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/beginning.html - the children are to focus on the initial sounds of the picture shown and then identify a picture with the same initial sound.http://www.ictgames.com/phonemeFlop_v4.html - a good website for getting the children to identify the letters of the alphabet.www.starfall.com - this is a great all-rounder. Remember to encourage your child to use the letters they are unsure of. I will stick this information in your child’s diary this week.http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - I love this game!http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - activities 12 and 13 are good for helping with identifying the initial letters.http://www.ictgames.com/soundBingo.htmlhttp://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
What else?
We will be continuing with our work on animals with the children this week following our fantastic visit to Chester Zoo last week. Here are some websites about animals to support the children’s learning.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/ - help your child research more information about their favourite animal.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/wild/index.shtml - a lovely website to explore and find out about different animals
http://www.kidsbiology.com/animals-for-children.php
http://www.abcteach.com/abclists/animalbabies.htm - find out the names of baby animals
Sorting animals into sets
The children will look at the differences between animals e.g the number of legs, if they lay eggs, if they have fur , scales or feathers etc.
Model making – thanks for all the junk materials you have sent in for us. The children have had a wealth of materials to select from. They will continue to work in teams to make an animal of their choice whilst learning about the different ways in which they can join materials.
Let’s make a zoo – the children will be encouraged to help make a play zoo for the different animals we have. They will be making fences, ponds etc as enclosures and then create maps.
Christmas Production
You should have already received your ticket allocation. If you have not please call in and see me. Just a reminder that costumes need to be in next Monday. If possible could you pop them on a hanger so they don’t get creased? Thanks. The children have already been on the stage and believe me when I say you are in for a real treat! In the diary this week there will be a sticker asking for permission to apply a little face paint to your child for the production. Please just sign below the sticker if you give consent. Thanks. We will need parents to help us dress the children before the performances so if you are available please call in.
Phonics and Reading workshop
The workshop will be held at 6pm in our classroom on Thursday 20th November. Unfortunately children are not invited to the workshop, hence the 6pm start instead of the 3pm after school time. Thank you in anticipation of your valued support.
I think that’s all for this week.
Have a good one!
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team xxx
There’s loads to do this week so without further a do here goes with this week’s agenda!
Here I Am
We begin our new topic this week for RE titled BIRTHDAYS. The children will begin this week by RECOGNISING what a birthday is, REFLECTING on birthday celebrations they have taken part in and will take part in, and RESPECT that a birthday is celebrated to remember the day someone is born. In class we will be reading the story of Kipper’s birthday and preparing the home corner for a birthday celebration. Our imaginary giant friend Jim will also celebrate his birthday. This will be a way of encouraging the children to write birthday cards for him in the writing area.
Problem-solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
The children have done really well developing their understanding of more and less and nearly all of them can find one more than a given number. However, finding one less is proving to be difficult for some of them. Therefore, this week we will be focusing more on this. In order for the children to be successful they need to have an understanding of the number system. The children understand the number system when they count from 0 to 10 and finding one more is supported by this. Therefore, to facilitate their ability to find one less they need to be able to count backwards from 10 to 0. For those who can find one more and one less we will work on problem-solving activities in different contexts. Here are some websites for your child to have a go at.
http://www.ictgames.com/rabbit2.html - for those children who can identify one more and one less this is a great website which challenges them to identify numbers more or less than a given number. You may need to sit with your child for this.
http://www.ictgames.com/nileNumbers_v2.html - see if your child can find one more than the given number before the ball reaches the bottom.
http://www.ictgames.com/saucerSorter.html - why not ask your child to arrange the numbers in reverse order
http://www.ictgames.com/caterpillar_slider.html - further develop your child’s understanding of the order of numbers through this game.
http://www.ictgames.com/nutty_v3.html - catch the acorns in number order
http://www.ictgames.com/newduckshoot.html - a good game for number recognition
Communication, Language and Literacy
By the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to provide the sound for the letters m, i, d and n in response to seeing the letter symbol;
SHOULD be able to orally segment (sound out) the words containing the letters;
COULD be able to segment, blend and write the words containing the letters.
The children are coming along nicely with their letter recognition and this week we will continue to teach the letters Gg, Oo, Cc and Kk. Again please make use of the websites below to support letter recognition. I would highly recommend the phonic fighter one for the boys!
http://www.saintambrosebarlow.wigan.sch.uk/activities.htm - The children are to try to hear the initial sounds in words.http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - Look at the letter shown and then select the picture that begins with that letter.http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - This is an amazing website focusing on the initial sounds. Hours of fun why you do your ironing I think!http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/beginning.html - the children are to focus on the initial sounds of the picture shown and then identify a picture with the same initial sound.http://www.ictgames.com/phonemeFlop_v4.html - a good website for getting the children to identify the letters of the alphabet.www.starfall.com - this is a great all-rounder. Remember to encourage your child to use the letters they are unsure of. I will stick this information in your child’s diary this week.http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - I love this game!http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - activities 12 and 13 are good for helping with identifying the initial letters.http://www.ictgames.com/soundBingo.htmlhttp://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
What else?
We will be continuing with our work on animals with the children this week following our fantastic visit to Chester Zoo last week. Here are some websites about animals to support the children’s learning.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/ - help your child research more information about their favourite animal.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/wild/index.shtml - a lovely website to explore and find out about different animals
http://www.kidsbiology.com/animals-for-children.php
http://www.abcteach.com/abclists/animalbabies.htm - find out the names of baby animals
Sorting animals into sets
The children will look at the differences between animals e.g the number of legs, if they lay eggs, if they have fur , scales or feathers etc.
Model making – thanks for all the junk materials you have sent in for us. The children have had a wealth of materials to select from. They will continue to work in teams to make an animal of their choice whilst learning about the different ways in which they can join materials.
Let’s make a zoo – the children will be encouraged to help make a play zoo for the different animals we have. They will be making fences, ponds etc as enclosures and then create maps.
Christmas Production
You should have already received your ticket allocation. If you have not please call in and see me. Just a reminder that costumes need to be in next Monday. If possible could you pop them on a hanger so they don’t get creased? Thanks. The children have already been on the stage and believe me when I say you are in for a real treat! In the diary this week there will be a sticker asking for permission to apply a little face paint to your child for the production. Please just sign below the sticker if you give consent. Thanks. We will need parents to help us dress the children before the performances so if you are available please call in.
Phonics and Reading workshop
The workshop will be held at 6pm in our classroom on Thursday 20th November. Unfortunately children are not invited to the workshop, hence the 6pm start instead of the 3pm after school time. Thank you in anticipation of your valued support.
I think that’s all for this week.
Have a good one!
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team xxx
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